Freedom campers face fines from Thursday

A ban is coming into effect today on all freedom camping that isn't done in a "self-contained" vehicle, with toilet facilities on board.

"Anyone observed camping in a non self-contained vehicle will receive a $200 infringement fine, and be required to move from the site immediately," says Christchurch City Council head of regulatory compliance Tracey Weston

Ms Weston says the ban will "protect the health and safety" of people visiting public areas, and that lessons have been learnt after tourists swarmed camping hotspots last summer.